If you have ever found yourself dreading the thought of going in to work even though you hold a coveted position in a successful company, you are certainly not alone. Many people have undergone several years of college and university before fighting their way to the top of their industry, only to realise that they completely hate what they do. The vast majority of people choose their career path during their teenage years, but the life you want at 18 can be vastly different to the life you want in your 30s and 40s. If you have found yourself at a career impasse and have no idea which way to turn, the following guide will help you get your life back on track.

Don’t Be Afraid To Make The Change

A startling number of people stay in jobs that make them unhappy simply because they are too afraid to take the leap into the unknown. According to a worldwide poll conducted by Gallup, 87% of workers are not engaged in their jobs and are just going through the motions. Unhappiness in the workplace can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety and a greater chance of mental illness such as depression. If you are truly not satisfied in your job and cannot find a way to make it work for you, then it may be time to start thinking about a new career. Even if you have to leave behind a handsome salary and cushy benefits package, it is worth it to find a role that makes you happy.

Take Time Out For Yourself

Rather than immediately jumping into a new career, consider talking a little time out for yourself. Many people feel stressed and unhappy with their jobs when they are suffering from career burnout and simply need a little time to themselves. Of course, the amount of time you can take off will depend on your financial situation, but even a week between jobs can be enough to recharge your batteries. A small career break will also give you time to forget all the frustration and boredom you experienced at your old job and go into your new career with a fresh outlook.

Write Down What You Want From Your New Career

When looking for a new career, most people hit the job boards and start searching for any career that catches their eye. Jumping headfirst into a new career without properly researching it can result in you ending up in a worse situation than before, and switching between several jobs in a short space of time will not look good on your CV. Instead, start by listing all the things you want from your new career. You may prefer a job that takes place inside an office environment or you might want a career that involves travel. Once you have an idea of the things you like doing the most, you can start narrowing down your search.

Start Networking

Even if you are still not completely sure about what you would like to do, you can still get out and start making contacts. Ask your friends if you can tag along to any conferences or trade fairs that they may be invited to. Even if your friends do not work in an industry that interests you, there is still a chance you might meet someone that sparks an idea about your future career. Try speaking to many people in different industries to get a picture of what their job entails. If you are considering a career in real estate, you can visit company websites such as www.dixonsestateagents.co.uk to get an idea of the kind of work they do.

Test The Waters

Once you are sure about what career you would like to embark upon, arrange a trial period to see if the job is really suitable for you. Many companies offer unpaid internships that last for short periods or you could arrange to go on a short training course or workshop

Whatever you decide to do, make sure there is room for you to grow and develop your skills within your chosen industry. A career that offers many different paths is the best way to avoid boredom at work as you can always change direction once you start to feel discouraged. If you are still having a hard time choosing a new job, a career specialist can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses and how they can be put to work in your new career.

Isabel Parkes works as a recruitment consultant and likes to offer her insights on how to define your career path and other relevant topics. She writes regularly for a number of consumer websites.